Kids activities in Mountain View
Mountain View is strong on open space and science-flavored outings, with plenty of shade for a summer afternoon.
Coming up near Mountain View
Nothing listed in Mountain View for this view right now. Here's what's on elsewhere in the Bay Area, plus ideas you can do today.
Within a short drive of Mountain View
Super Family Sundays
Sun, Oct 18 · Junior Museum & Zoo · palo alto · 5 mi away · Ages 0–12
A free event when the JMZ is open exclusively to families with children who have disabilities. Children with all disabilities are welcome, as well as parents, siblings, and grandparents. Come meet zoo animals up-close.
16th Annual Peninsula Private Elementary School Fair
Sun, Oct 18 · 11:00 AM · Center for Children and Youth · palo alto · 5 mi away · Age 4
A unique opportunity to engage in-person with more than 30 schools located on the Peninsula. Families can speak informally with school representatives and find the right fit for their child. Light snacks will be provided.
שעור באהבה
Tue, Oct 27 · 8:00 PM · Oshman Family JCC · palo alto · 5 mi away · All ages
An event focusing on love and connection, hosted at Oshman Family JCC.
Santa Clara City Library Comic Con
Sat, Oct 10 · 10:00 AM · Santa Clara City Library - Central Park · santa clara · 7 mi away · Ages 0–12
CrimeStery Fest 2026
Fri, Oct 9 · 4:00 PM · san jose · 11 mi away · All ages
San Jose | Cupertino Dandiya Nite
Sat, Oct 10 · 6:00 PM · Mt. Pleasant High School · san jose · 11 mi away · All ages
(Mon) Music & Movement - Dance Arts Academy
Fri, Oct 16 · Camden Cmty Ctr · san jose · 11 mi away · Ages 2–4
A fun introductory class for younger children that combines music and movement activities to enhance physical development and rhythm.
San Jose International Short Film Festival
Thu, Oct 22 · 10:00 AM · Cinemark CinéArts Santana Row · san jose · 11 mi away · All ages
Pickleball @ Paul Moore Park - Skyhawks
Fri, Oct 30 · Paul Moore Park · san jose · 11 mi away · Ages 8–11
Engage in exciting Pickleball games for younger players!
St. Mary's Country Fair
Thu, Oct 8 · 5:00 PM · St. Mary's · los gatos · 12 mi away · Ages 5+
Join for carnival rides, food, games, and live music! The event promotes community spirit and has something for everyone, including a Kid Zone with arts and games.
St. Mary’s Country Fair
Thu, Oct 8 · 5:00 PM · St. Mary's Church · los gatos · 12 mi away · Ages 5–15
Join us for St. Mary’s Country Fair featuring carnival rides, food, games, and live entertainment. The event includes a variety of attractions such as the Kid Zone, face painting, mini golf, and fun rides.
Activity ideas that work any day in Mountain View

Make a Podcast Episode
Imagine being a real podcast host! You'll create your very own audio show, choosing a topic you love and interviewing a family member to share their stories or expertise. It's rewarding to build something from scratch and hear your voice come alive as you craft a show for others to enjoy. This activity lets you direct the conversation and share something new with your listeners. First, decide on a topic and interview questions, then use a smartphone or computer to record your interview. Afterward, listen back and edit your audio down to a 10-minute episode, adding a simple intro and outro. You could even research some basic audio editing software to make your podcast sound more professional, or add some background music.
10-13 · Indoor · 90 min
Open
Grow a Kitchen Herb Garden
Transform your kitchen into a green haven by growing your own fragrant herbs. Choose basil, mint, or chives and plant them in individual pots. Watching your seeds sprout and leaves unfurl connects you directly to nature, offering a quiet sense of accomplishment each day. It’s rewarding to nurture something from a tiny seed, especially knowing you’ll soon be adding its fresh flavor to your favorite meals. Start by filling small pots with soil, then carefully plant your chosen herb seeds according to package directions. Water gently and place them in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors. Keep a simple journal to track their growth, noting when sprouts appear and how tall they get. Once your herbs are ready, snip some leaves to elevate dishes like pasta, salads, or even a glass of water. Try growing different herbs and experiment with new recipes to expand your culinary skills.
9-13 · Indoor/Outdoor · 45 min
Open
Mega Moves Piano Mat Dance Party
Let's roll out the piano mat and have a dance party! We can jump on the keys to make music, follow the built-in rhythms, and show off our best moves.
4,5,6,7 · Indoor · 30 min · About $14–$20
Open
Build a Catapult
Build a small catapult using craft sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon. This activity lets you design and construct a working machine, which is very satisfying. You'll get to experiment with basic physics principles like leverage and projectile motion, seeing how small changes can affect distance and accuracy. It's a great way to put engineering skills to the test and then enjoy some friendly competition. Start by gathering your materials and assembling the base and arm of your catapult. Once built, test your design with a small, soft projectile like a cotton ball or a mini marshmallow. Pay attention to how far and consistently it launches. Refine your catapult by adjusting the rubber bands or the arm length to improve its performance before challenging family members to a distance or accuracy contest.
9-12 · Indoor/Outdoor · 60 min
Open
Questions parents ask about Mountain View
- What can you do with a toddler in Mountain View on a rainy day?
- The public library runs baby and toddler storytimes through the week, and the community center adds indoor programs during winter. The indoor list for Mountain View shows what's scheduled.
- Are these activities free?
- Library and open-space visits are free; science and maker programs typically charge per child and fill quickly. Anything ticketed links out to the organizer so you can check the price before you go.
- How often is this page updated?
- Event listings refresh automatically from local sources, so past dates drop off on their own.

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